Now that the student has learned to decode and encode simple CVC, CCVC and CVCC words composed on the basic code, we step up to working with consonant-consonant-vowel-consonant-consonant (CCVCC) word structures composed of high frequency letter-sound links.

Why blending? Learning to decode letters into speech sounds, and then to blend the speech sounds together to form words is a fundamental reading skill for all students in their first year of schooling.

Why read and write the words? Early encoding (writing) practice helps consolidate early decoding (reading) skills (and vice versa).